A spokesman for Harriott said: "Following media speculation, Ainsley and Clare confirm that they are currently living apart.

"Their separation is completely amicable and, as yet, they have no definite plans for the future. They remain close and, together with their family, they ask that their privacy be respected.

"They will be making no further comment."

The couple have two children together - Jimmy, 20, and Maddie, 17.

It had previously been claimed that Ainsley Harriott had an extramarital affair in 2004. The Ready Steady Cook star reportedly attempted to stop the affair from becoming public knowledge with an injunction.

The pair originally met in a clothes shop, with Harriott once stating: "My wife Clare, she's wonderful. I'm spoiled, but then she gets all those lovely meals cooked for her."

Ainsley Harriott starred on the BBC's Ready Steady Cook from 2000 until its cancellation in 2010.